During the drive to Kilchberg to the chocolate factory of Lindt, Gallus explains us the sights of Zurich. Of course we are familiar with everything, but the numbers of commuters at the main station, the story of Alfred Escher, who made Switzerland much richer politically as well as economically, were not so present to us after all. In the Lindt Chocolate Shop we stocked up on fine chocolate - this visit was long overdue and in these times without any foreign tourists. By the way: In September 2020 the new and modern "Competence Center" at Schokoladenplatz 1 in Kilchberg will open its doors.
The drive over the Rickenpass to the show dairy in Stein is beautiful. Gentle hills and lush green meadows - in fine weather like today a landscape like out of a picture book. The staff of the show cheese dairy is looking forward to our visit and a fine tasting cheese plate awaits us. The production of the Appenzeller with its fine herbs is the best kept secret - of course we will still get an insight and take home a piece of fine Appenzeller cheese as a souvenir.
From the Hoher Kasten viewing mountain at almost 1800 meters above sea level in the Alpstein mountains, there is a phenomenal panoramic view of the Rhine Valley, Austria, Germany, France and even as far as Italy. You feel like you are in an eagle's nest and the view can also be enjoyed from the revolving restaurant, which offers fine food. An easy-to-walk circular path, surrounded by over 300 different species of plants, rounds off the visit and shows how many hiking possibilities there are - a second visit with hiking boots is planned.
Our last stop is the picturesque village of Appenzell with its pretty houses. Gallus shows us the famous craft shops and tells us about the rural community. A piece of Swiss history - it warms our hearts and we quickly buy an Appenzeller beaver before we unfortunately have to return. A versatile tour - not only for foreign tourists, but also for us Swiss - we all agree on that!
